Dr. Arthur Light intended to use his scientific genius for crime by inventing a device intended to look into the
future. Instead, he discovered it was capable of monitoring events on other planets. Focusing upon an optics
laboratory on the planet Thanagar, Light discovered that his device could act as a space warp. Passing through
space in an instant he was able to loot the alien laboratory. Modifying the stolen equipment the criminal scientist
became the menacing genius Dr. Light

Post-Crisis

Partnered at STAR Labs with fellow physicist Dr. Jacob Finlay (Dr. Light II), Dr. Arthur Light was using his
access to sensitive information to commit industrial espionage for a competing company. In the act of stealing
secret information Light was confronted by Finlay in the disguise of Dr. Light - a heroic identity her created
using his light-based scientific inventions.

Deducing that Finlay was the heroic Dr. Light, Light confronted his friend - which resulted in an accidental
laser discharge which disintegrated Finlay. Light was haunted by Finlay when it would become dark and he found
that only light would drive the spirit away. During one haunting Light stumbled upon the uniform Finlay used in
his heroic identity and he utilized its weaponry dissipating the specter.

Discovering the full potential of the costume created by his former lab partner, Light ventured upon a
high-profile criminal career as Dr. Light.